Sidearms & Scatterguns 870 Wingmaster Barrel Swap

[El Xolo Mexicano]

So I noticed that people sell 18” barrels online. I thought of buying one to drop onto my Wingmaster instead of buying a new tactical version. A simple furniture swap could be done also, and it’ll be much cheaper to do. I also don’t like the MIM parts on the newer models either.

The only thing I’m concerned about is the 3” shells being shot out my Wingmaster. Seeing it’s designed for 2 2/3” shells. I’m not worried about feeding issues, but possible pressure issues on the firearm itself shooting slugs/buckshot. I don’t think it should be an issue, but sometimes it is just better to be safe than sorry.

 

[Deleted member 10043]

What are you asking?

 

[El Xolo Mexicano]

The barrel is 2 & 3/4” on the current Wingmaster. The aftermarket used 18” barrels go up to 3”. Are there any issues in running the larger shells from a Wingmaster with a different barrel. Especially concerning slugs, or buckshot ammunition? Hope that clarifies things.

 

[Deleted member 10043]

The ol' Wingmaster is designed to eject 2 3/4" shells.

 

[El Xolo Mexicano]

Basically, it’s not worth the effort to modify it with a simple barrel swap, because of feeding/extraction issues. Got it. Thanks for the reply.

 

[Deleted member 10043]

No, you can still use the 2 3/4" shells with a barrel rated up to 3". Your limited to what size the receiver can extract and not what the barrel can accept.

 

[El Xolo Mexicano]

That is true. I’ll have to think about it. It could be an ok modification for night time varmint hunting if I change the furniture as well. Then attach a light to see. Thanks again.

 

[MrSmith]

If your Wingmaster receiver has an "M" at the end of the serial number you can shoot 3" shells as long as the barrels' chamber is long enough for them to go in. There are other identifiers but this is the quick one.

To be honest; 2 3/4" shells are all you really want in a social 870. If you don't have an "M" receiver, or even if you do, get a 2 3/4" chamber 18" or so barrel with a standard bead sight, some 2 3/4" #1 Federal buckshot with the flight control wad, load it up and it's a combination you can rely on.

I would recommend a Vang type big button safety, but for nightstand use it's nice, but really not needed.

The only furniture swap I would consider is a shortened forend so it won't overlap the receiver when you "pump" to reload. I stay away from the "pistol grip" stocks, they hurt my wrist when you actually use them and have to reload quickly. Think about a mag extension sometime in the future. Lights are good.

Take a defensive shotgun class. Shotguns are different.

Thank you,
Mr.Smith

 

[El Xolo Mexicano]

MrSmith,
Just checked the serial number and it has a “V” at the end. I will definitely think over your advice for sure, and possibly looking into a used 870 with a magnum receiver in the future. They’re like $400 around here, because people keep trading them in for the lastest tactical wonder. I’m more interested in increasing ammo availability than being concerned with 3” shells for self defense. Thanks for the detailed response.

 

[jphil108]

I put an 18" barrel with rifle sights on my wingmaster and love it. I kept the long tube for clays and edible skyrats and now I have a very versatile combination. I like the laminated wood furniture look, it's kinda like the old Remington police shotguns, I've had a lot of fun with this gun over the past few years.

 

[El Xolo Mexicano]

I’ve taken to tinkering with different weapon systems over the years. My eyesight is pretty bad and I’m heavily dependent on my hearing. So most of my enjoyment comes from modifying them nowadays.

Although, a good shotgun could be a more practical self defense weapon for myopic people like myself. Than say, a precision rifle. At 20-30yrds I can still do target identification without glasses. Where as that wouldn’t be possible at 100yrds and beyond. At least not without a scope mounted.

So I may trick this up a bit when an 870 Wingmaster magnum. Nothing to crazy though.

 

[308pirate]

The only thing I’m concerned about is the 3” shells being shot out my Wingmaster. Seeing it’s designed for 2 2/3” shells. I’m not worried about feeding issues, but possible pressure issues on the firearm itself shooting slugs/buckshot. I don’t think it should be an issue, but sometimes it is just better to be safe than sorry.

You have nothing to be concerned about.

First and foremost, the SAMMI pressure standards (Maximum Average Pressure, Maximum Probable Lot Mean, Maximum Probable Sample Mean) for ALL 2 3/4" and 3" 12 gauge shotgun cartridges is exactly the same. That applies to lead shot, non-lead shot, rifled slugs, saboted slugs, and buckshot regardless of payload mass. This, despite popular opinion, is not debatable: https://saami.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Z299-2_ANSI-SAAMI_Shotshell.pdf

Secondly, the barrel, not the receiver, is what contains the chamber pressure and upon which the bolt locks up. So install that 18" barrel without concern regardless of any receiver markings. The receiver markings denoting a "magnum" receiver all have to do with accommodating the longer length of the 3" shells through the loading and ejection mechanism.